Campus offers range of tutoring help

Making the transition to college classes can be daunting, but there is never a shortage of help around campus.

From one-on-one tutoring to group help sessions, there’s always someone who has mastered microeconomics or finite and can lend a hand.

While most departments have a list of private tutors for hire, individualized help can be a costly investment.

Many academic support resources around campus have a variety of hours and formats. And, best of all, they’re free.

1. Academic Support Centers

WHERE Briscoe Quad, Forest Quad and Teter Quad

WHEN 7 to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Evening assistance starts Sept. 6 with same-day sign-ups at 6 p.m.

WHAT Located throughout campus, Academic Support Centers offer students a convenient way to get help with a variety of subjects.
Math, writing, study skills and subject-specific tutoring, such as business and African languages, are all available at the centers. But don’t expect to show up and get the answers.

MORE INFO Student Academic Center Outreach and Service Coordinator Sharon Chertkoff said academic help in a university setting is broader than what incoming freshman may have experienced before.
“We’re focusing on students becoming an independent learner and independent problem solver,” she said. “Many students feel frustrated. They’re looking for someone to write their paper or do a math problem. This type of support is different.”
Several academic support programs work out of the Academic Support Centers so the classrooms can get busy. It’s best to sign up for a session, especially around midterms and finals.

2. Academic Workshops

WHERE Depending on which workshop, in an Academic Support Center or in Ballantine Hall 109

WHEN 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays

WHAT These free workshops are open to all students – no reservation required. They provide tips and tricks for dealing with academic issues students face throughout college.


MORE INFO “The workshops cover a wide variety of topics from goals to working in a group to stress management,” Chertkoff said. Check sac.indiana.edu for a detailed list of workshops.

3. Writing Tutorial Services (WTS)

WHERE The main location is in Ballantine Hall 206. Tutors are also standing by in the Herman B Wells Library on the third floor of the west tower, Academic Support Centers, Kelley School of Business Room 372 and School of Education Room 2206.

WHEN 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday

WHAT The Writing Tutorial Services staff provides free 50-minute tutorials on all stages of the writing process. Beware, however, that the tutors won’t edit or proofread papers.

While you don’t have to make an appointment, it’s best to call ahead (812-855-6738) or stop by WTS to schedule a time several days in advance.

4. Math Learning Center

WHERE Swain East 340

WHEN The hours are still tentative but will most likely be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

WHAT Stop by the Math Learning Center for help with algebra and pre-calculus. Graduate math tutors work the center and answer many of your questions.
Math Learning Center Director Chris Parks said students shouldn’t expect one-on-one help at the center.

MORE INFO “Students work together by course,” he said.
If students work well in small groups, the Math Learning Center will be good for them, Parks said.
The center’s busiest hours are between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

5. Supplemental Instruction

WHERE Math help outside the Academic Support Centers

WHEN 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday

WHAT Work in small groups led by an undergraduate who has successfully completed the course.

Work through homework problems, but don’t expect the instruction leader to hand out answers, Chertkoff said.

MORE INFO If free help isn’t enough of an incentive, go to SI sessions an hour early (from 6 to 7 p.m.) for a problem-solving session and earn extra credit in M025 and M027. See sac.indiana.edu/supplementalInstruction for more information.